The 8 Best Dog Nail Clippers to Buy in 2018

There tools will do the job and relieve anxiety for you and your pet

Unless you have a very active outdoor dog, a pair of solid nail clippers is essential to your pooch’s comfort, mobility and health. Because dogs are constantly walking around in dust, dirt and all kinds of bacteria, preventing damage to the nail bed is just as important to your dog’s health as her diet and exercise routine.

There are many different nail clippers on the market, but it’s important to choose the one that works for you and your dog. Most fall into three main categories: scissor,...MORE guillotine or grinder. A scissor nail clipper works just like a pair of household scissors, but provides extra force for cutting larger dogs’ nails.

A guillotine works as its name implies — like a guillotine. Stick your dog’s nail through the hole in the tool. When you squeeze the handles, a blade will lower and slice off the end of the nail. It sounds scarier than it is.

Grinders grind down the nail, rather than clipping. This kind of clipper is best for dogs that hate regular clippers, but they may need some time to get used to the vibrating sensation.

The type of nail clipper you choose depends mostly on your dog’s size and temperament, but your comfort and handedness (are you a lefty or righty?) should be considered, too.

Here, we’ve rounded up the best dog nail clippers you can buy in 2017, so you can make an informed shopping decision.

Best Overall: Safari 770045 Professional Nail Trimmer

With over 4,500 reviews, it’s clear that pet parents love Safari’s Professional Nail Trimmer. It took the number one spot on our list for its numerous positive reviews, wallet-friendly price tag and ease of use.

Made with stainless steel, this clippers’ blades are extra strong, sharp and durable, and will cut through nails quickly — which is perfect for squirmy dogs or dogs who hate having their nails trimmed. It’s equipped with a quick stop, which will prevent causing painful damage to the quick...MORE (the thicker, nerve-filled section) of your dog’s nails. Plus, the handles are padded with cushy rubber grips for your in-hand comfort.

This clipper is available in both small and large sizes, so you can choose the right size for your dog. It can be used on cats, too — many reviewers purchased the smaller size for their feline friends.

Best Basic: Millers Forge Nail Clipper

Touted by real-life dog groomers and veterinary professionals, this no-frills nail clipper from Millers Forge is sharp, strong and easy to use. It’s actually produced by a surgical tool manufacturer, so you know you’re buying a high-quality product — without the high price tag.

This professional quality, plier-style nail clipper is equipped with ultra-sharp, stainless steel blades and non-slip rubber handles for ease of use and comfort. It’s spring loaded with heavy-duty springs, so you don’t...MORE have to apply as much force to trim tougher, thicker nails.

Heads up: This nail clipper does not have a quick stop or sensor. If you’re new to clipping dog nails or are worried about damaging the quick, this might not be the clipper for you.

Best for Small Dogs: Shiny Pet Nail Clippers

Designed for use on small dogs (as well as other small pets, like cats, rabbits and birds), Shiny Pet’s Pet Nail Clippers are safe and easy to use on the tiniest paws.

This clipper is fitted with sharp, angled, stainless steel blades to cut nails quickly, cleanly and safely. The handles are made with 100% recycled plastic and finished with a slip-proof coating, so you’ll have a strong grip even if your pet squirms.

This manufacturer offers an unconditional return policy if you’re not happy with...MORE your purchase. Just tell Shiny Pet why you’re not satisfied with the product and they’ll offer a replacement or full refund.

Best for Large Dogs: Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper

Epica’s Professional Pet Nail Clipper has sharp, stainless steel blades that are perfectly sized and spaced for larger dogs’ nails. The design ensures you’ll get a clean, precise cut every time your large dog needs a pawdicure.

Made with ultra-durable stainless steel, the blades on this clipper wont’ bend, scratch or rust, and will stay sharp after several clippings, even if your dog has tough nails. The handles are shaped to fit your fingers and are coated with anti-slip rubber for extra safety....MORE Because this clipper is designed for larger dogs with stronger nails, you don’t have to use excessive force when clipping.

Reviewers love these clippers for their strength, quality and super affordable price tag. Plus, they’re backed by a 100% lifetime warranty, so if you ever have an issue with your purchase, the manufacturer can offer a resolution.

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Best Guillotine: Resco Original Nail Clipper

Resco invented the guillotine-style nail clipper back in 1937 and has been manufacturing their product ever since. As described earlier, guillotine clippers work exactly like a guillotine: Your dog’s nail is placed through a hole in the tool and a blade lowers to slice the end of the nail.

This clipper’s super sharp, micro-honed blades ensure your pets nails won’t split or splinter during clippings. And if your blade ever dulls, it’s easy to replace; Resco has replacement blade kits you can also...MORE purchase through Amazon. The handle is made with no-slip rubber for your comfort and extra safety.

Resco offers a 100% lifetime warranty if you ever have an issue with your nail clipper.

Best Automatic: URPOWER Rechargeable Pet Nail Grinder

If your dog hates regular nail clippers, you might want to try a nail grinder. Although it takes a bit longer than using a traditional clipper, it’s a safe, simple way to gently remove layers of nail.

This pick from URPOWER is constructed with a diamond bit grinder, which is safe and gentle, but powerful enough to trim your pet’s tough nails. It’s best for small or medium sized pets, with three ports to use on different sized nails. Plus, you can recharge this nail grinder by USB. Once it’s fully...MORE charged, it can run for three solid hours.

Some dogs may be frightened by this nail grinder’s vibration, so introduce it slowly. The manufacturer recommends letting it run for a few minutes — before using it on your pet — so she can get used to the sound.

Best Safety Guard: GoPets Nail Clippers

Damaging the quick in your dog’s nails can be extremely painful — and if your dog has very thick or black nails, it can be hard to tell where the quick begins. This clipper from GoPets has a built-in quick sensor and safety guard, so you can be extra sure you won’t cause any damage. Available in both small and large sizes, you can use this clipper on large dogs or small dogs and cats.

Made with high quality, 3.5mm thick stainless steel, the blades on this clipper create quick, clean cuts and will...MORE stay sharp after years of use. And its design offers additional safety for you and your pet: The large, non-slip handles are comfortable to hold and prevent slip-ups, while the quick guard prevents painful over-cutting.

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